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BE LIKE A CAT!
Throughout my life, change has been constant. Change affects each of us differently and we don’t always know how to handle it. We look for the answers to why it happened, could I have done something differently, was it them, me, what caused this change? Some change will never have an answer that will satisfy our search; however, finding peace and acceptance is what I strive to find each time I have had to.
I often use the term “Be like a cat. They always land on their feet.” when I must dust myself off and take a different path. Why do cats land on their feet? What makes this animal so adaptable to a sudden change that allows them to right themselves in a way that they land safely?
Cats land on their feet thanks to a combination of being flexible and their highly refined sense of balance, known as the “righting reflex”. This allows cats to orient themselves mid-air and adjust their body position to land on their feet. When a cat falls, it quickly reorients its head to align with the ground. This action is followed by the rest of its body. So, what makes them the masters of the fall?
1. Cats are flexible and this allows them to reorient themselves during a fall.
2. Cats spread their limbs, increase their air resistance, which helps slow down their fall and gives them more time to adjust their position.
3. Instinct creates this behavior that starts to develop while they are kittens.
I often have thought about how these amazing animals can take what is out of their control, realign their landing, and do it with such grace.
What I have learned from the cat is that when things don’t seem to be where they should be in our lives, we can reorient ourselves, remain flexible, spread our limbs to slow our fall giving us time to adjust, and lean into the instincts of change that we learned as we grew up and changed from a small child to an adult. Finding acceptance with change can be challenging, but it’s an important skill for personal growth and resilience. Here are some strategies to help with this process:
1. Acknowledge your Feelings: It's normal to feel a range of emotions when facing change. Allow yourself to feel and express these emotions without judgment.
2. Stay Positive: Try to find positive aspects of the change. This could be an opportunity for growth, new experiences, or learning.
3. Seek Support: Talk to friends, family, or a therapist about what you're going through. Sharing your feelings can provide comfort and new perspectives.
4. Be Patient: Acceptance doesn't happen overnight. Give yourself time to adjust and be kind to yourself during this process.
5. Practice Mindfulness: Techniques such as meditation or deep breathing can help you stay present and reduce anxiety about the future.
6. Stay Flexible: Embrace the idea that change is a natural part of life. Being adaptable can make transitions smoother.
7. Set New Goals: Redirect your focus by setting new, achievable goals. This can help you stay motivated and forward-thinking.
No matter what you may be going through or what you feel out of control with, realize that with some small steps, you can be like that cat and land on your feet!
Adele Perkins, HMCC
MPI New Jersey Chapter Vice President of Membership
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